One-Day Workshop on Conservation of Agricultural Biodiversity Organized under SCSP conducted by ICAR-NBPGR, Regional Station, Bhowali-18-02-2026

A one-day workshop on “Conservation of Agricultural Biodiversity” was successfully organized at Village Muwani, Block Kanalichhina, District Pithoragarh (Uttarakhand) under the Scheduled Caste Sub-Plan (SCSP). The programme was conducted by ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, Regional Station, Bhowali, with active participation from farmers, line departments, cooperative institutions, educational representatives, and banking officials. The event witnessed the presence of more than 250 Scheduled Caste farmers, reflecting strong community engagement and interest in the conservation of local crop diversity.

The programme was graced by Mr Bishan Singh Chuphal, MLA, Didihat, as the Chief Guest, and Mr Anand Singh Rawat, Pradesh Mahamantri as the Special Guest. The welcome address was delivered by Mr. Hans Kumar Pal, Principal, Himalaya Montessori School, Muwani, who extended greetings to the dignitaries, farmers, and participants. Dr. Rahul Dev, Senior Scientist and Officer In-Charge, ICAR-NBPGR RS Bhowali, provided an overview of the mandate and activities of the Bureau. He elaborated on the importance of plant genetic resource conservation, ongoing programmes, and the objectives of the workshop under the SCSP framework.

The Chief Guest, Shri Bishan Singh Chuphal, appreciated the efforts of ICAR-NBPGR in promoting the conservation of traditional and local crops. He emphasized the importance of safeguarding indigenous crop diversity for ensuring long-term food security, resilience to climate variability, and sustainable agricultural development in the hill regions. Dr. Mamta Arya delivered a detailed presentation on the significance of conserving traditional crops and their biodiversity. She highlighted their critical role in enhancing ecosystem services, improving soil health and nutrient cycling, strengthening nutritional security of rural households, and providing premium market opportunities for niche and traditional products. Her address underlined the scientific, ecological, and socio-economic value of conserving landraces and farmer-developed varieties in the Himalayan context. Mr. Kamal Deep, Adhyaksh, Kisan Society Muwani, addressed the gathering and expressed gratitude towards ICAR-NBPGR for organizing the programme in the region. He acknowledged the need for continued institutional support for farmers conserving traditional varieties.

An interactive session was organized wherein farmers openly discussed their challenges and field-level issues. Queries related to agricultural practices were addressed by the scientists of ICAR-NBPGR. Developmental and policy-related concerns were responded to by the Chief Guest, Shri Bishan Singh Chuphal. The programme also included the distribution of mini farm implements to beneficiary farmers under the SCSP component, aimed at strengthening farm operations and supporting livelihood enhancement. The workshop successfully created awareness about the conservation of agricultural biodiversity among farmers of the region. The active participation of farmers, line departments, cooperative societies, educational institutions, and banking representatives strengthened institutional convergence and collaborative dialogue. The event reaffirmed the importance of conserving traditional crop diversity in the Uttarakhand hills and demonstrated a collective commitment towards sustainable, climate-resilient, and nutrition-sensitive agriculture.